By Leonard Okachie
Mr David Anyaele, Chairman, Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), has said that the agency will address the problem of non-inclusion of PWDs in government programmes and activities.
Anyaele disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Wednesday.
He decried the non-inclusion of members of the disability community in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government.
According to him, the key challenge confronting the disability community in the state is the issue of discrimination and other harmful practices against the PWDs.
He, therefore, said that the commission would be rolling out programmes and activities to create awareness on the rights of PWDs.
He said that the commission would also tackle other issues, such as access to education and healthcare services.
He said, “We will ensure that public infrastructures that host these institutions are accessible with the enabling policy framework to guide MDAs’ response to disability issues.”
Anyaele further said that the commission would also ensure that PWDs had access to vocational training, adding that “when disability occurs, more than a part of the body is lost.”
“Ability to access vocational training will determine the extent we reduce incidences of street begging, among PWDs.
“We appreciate the fact that many Abia residents with disabilities are struggling harder to access jobs even “after successful completion of academic pursuit.
“We shall work as a commission to ensure that the state implements the Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons Law 2022, with regards to employment opportunities for PWDs.”
Anyaele, who doubles as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, said the Commission was working on developing a strategic plan that would lead local and international agencies to its areas of focus.
He expressed gratitude to Gov. Alex Otti for taking the bull by the horn in the establishment and inauguration of the Board of the commission.
“It signifies a great milestone in the promotion and protection of the rights and dignity of disability community in Abia,” Anyaele said.(NAN)
